2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 285 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider (270 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | Spider | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 90 HP |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2630 mm |
